The management of River State University, RSU, Port Harcourt has said one Philip Odereghi Oghoghonn who was arrested for collecting money from people over false promise of providing job for them in the institution is an impostor.
In a statement signed on its behalf by Dr. Enyindah, Enyindahn its Registrar on Wednesday, the University described Philip Odereghi Oghogho, as an imposter. It also warned members of the public not fall victims to impostors and fraudsters.
The University said it has concluded its recruitment last year with the approval of the Rivers State Government.
It would be recalled that yesterday, Tuesday October 17, Oghoghonn ran out of luck when he was sighted at the premises of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital,UPTH, Choba, by some of his victims.
He was nearly lynched before he was saved by the members the internal security of UPTH and handed over to the Police.
Oghoghonn was accused defrauding desperate job seekers by promising them (Academic and Non Academic) positions at the Rivers State University.
Narrating how the suspect was arrested, Prince Wiro, a journalist and human rights advocate who is also the National Coordinator of Centre for Basic Rights Protection And Accountability Campaign said the suspect was arrested following months of surveillance and tracking.
He said the alleged fraud came to the attention of the organization in last year’s December and since then the organization has put the activities of the suspect under the security radar.
Mr Wiro said fortunately, on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, an Executive member of the organization, acting on credible intelligence, sighted the suspect inside the premises of UPTH and raised alarm, which attracted the hospital security operatives who arrested Oghoghonn.
Mr Wiro called on the Rivers State University to make a clear statement on the claims by the suspect that he is working with some powerful persons in the RSU to give people employment.
The Rights Advocate also demanded that the matter should be investigated and if Oghoghonn is found culpable he should be made to face justice.
One of the victims, Otavaino Stephens, who spoke to journalists on behalf of others said, “My name is Otaviano Stephens;
“The man, Philip said he works with Rivers State University directly that is why we were confident to work with him
“He said we are meant to pay 250,000 naira each to get the job since he is working with the school directly. With the confidence that he is working with the institution, he asked us transfer the money to him.
“Some of us paid cash, some paid with transfer. Myself and other persons I am aware of, who I brought to him, he collected 200,000 naira each from us.
“The one I am aware of, we are more than 15 people. We have been waiting for the employment to come, to no avail. We have been calling, calling him on phone, but he kept assuring us to be patient and hold on that next, next month, things like that.
“We paid him money since last Year March/April. We want him to pay us all the money that he has taken for the job he said he will give us that he has not given to us. He collected from some persons 450,000 naira, some 300,000 naira some 250,000 naira”, the victim alleged.
Our correspondent later found out that he also exploited some of female victims sexually when the could not pay him in cash.
SP Grace Iringe-Koko, Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, also confirmed the arrest of the suspect and assured that investigations will commence immediately.
credit: PM News
